Christensen said the measures are too important to be rushed with only three weeks remaining in the 2011 session. The bills — currently labeled HB270, HB109 and HB182 — could return next year.

“I would like to have time for that dialogue to continue so there is no confusion, misunderstanding or unintended consequences in the bills as they may ultimately be adopted,” Christensen said in a statement.

The first bill would have voided contracts that went against state policy, prohibiting same-sex couples from making contractual agreements, such as wills and financial arrangements.

The second bill aimed to create state policy on traditional families, saying they are supported by “nature and nature’s laws.”

The third bill supported religious liberty by exempting anyone from local non-discrimination laws if they do it on religious grounds.